CLASSES FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Mischa also has 3 musical guinea pigs of her own aged 7, 10 and 12.
Music Classes & Workshops are available for the age group 0-7. The classes are all about making music together and embracing the joy and fun that comes along with doing so. We will be singing our hearts out, stamping our feet, playing a variety of instruments, exploring sound and dancing with our friends. In our music making, my goal is always to stretch the children’s imagination, boost their confidence and challenge their creativity as we go on exciting musical journeys full of songs, movement, rhymes and games. While doing so, I playfully introduce the fundamentals of music: pitch, rhythm, pulse and melody. The parents are involved too, and encouraged to bring the material home.
Starting with music at an early age is invaluable. Music is often referred to as a language, children intuitively understand the complexities and subtleties of their native language long before they can read and write, likewise they have an instant connection with music. Long before they pick up an instrument they have already composed their own music and sang their own song, by stamping, clapping, dancing, playing with the rhythm of words, making wonderful sounds with their little voices and intuitively connecting to the sounds all around. All of this they do effortlessly and (mostly) without any grand intention. Music truly is an universal language and ‘speaking’ it is a great joy. It activates our brain like nothing else, from the minute we’re born.
Musical Babies [4-17 months]
‘Musical Babies’ – these classes are as much for the parents as they are for the babies: I hope to inspire the parents to sing (more) with their babies at home and for the babies I aim to create a lovely and very interactive musical experience every week. We do a great mix of musical activities in each class; bouncing, clapping, dancing, singing, with the use of various little instruments like shakers, tambourines and bells, props like scarves and my many puppet friends. The songs and material used during the classes is available to the parents to bring home, so that the music making can become part of daily routines.
Sing Your Socks Off [14 months-4 years]
‘Sing your Socks off’ is a series of music classes created especially for preschoolers (1-4) and their parents. A fun way to introduce young children to the elementary building blocks of pitch and rhythm and for them to sing their way through the early years. The classes are not just designed with the children in mind, the parents are included too. By giving the parents the musical tools and repertoire of great songs/rhymes to bring home, I hope to inspire the parents to sing with their child (children loooove the sound of their parents voices, nearly as much as they love the sound of their own!). So get involved and sing your socks off at home, in the car, walking behind the pram, rocking your child etc ! As a parent recently commented “I might even get some new socks for the occasion!”
Musical Magpies [3-5 years]
‘Musical Magpies’ is designed especially for the imaginative and exploring minds of preschoolers and junior infants, encouraging them to become confident singers and eager music makers. This class is a little more game based as we discover things together. Again, we work with the elementary building blocks of pitch and rhythm, with use of songs, games, movement and oodles of fun. During the classes, we collect little gems of songs and learn all about the magic of music and the riches of groovy rhythms, like little musical magpies. Contact me if interested.
Pre-school
Me & You Music is now running music classes specially designed for Montessori Nurseries and Creches. The classes are tailored for different age groups (0-5) and designed with the pre-school child at the centre, giving them a real chance to explore music. The classes can run for blocks of 4 to 6 weeks or as once-off workshops for special occasions. Material for the teachers will be provided to keep the songs going after the visits.
Special Needs [children and adults]
I also facilitate music workshops tailored for people with special needs, both adults and children. I have been working with groups and one-on-one for several years and have plenty of experience in this field. I take great joy from this work, every group and every person has its unique character with it’s own brilliant voice (whether vocal or not). It is a pleasure to give these people the opportunity to express and listen to what they musically have to say.
“One does not need to have any formal knowledge of music – nor, indeed, to be particularly ‘musical’ to – enjoy music and respond to it at the deepest level” (Oliver Sacks ‘Musicophilia’)
As a form of art, ‘music’ is the most direct, people quickly respond to it and make it their own in no time. The aim of the workshops is purely that of making music. The workshops are soulful and playful and open up the floor to anyone who wants to get serious about music, explore their musical roots, celebrate the rhythm of life or just tap into the pure enjoyment that music can bring.
During the workshops the focus is on creativity, communication, meaningful engagement and self-expression. I wish to give the participants the opportunity to engage in a creative process that stimulates both a sense of identity and also a sense of belonging to a group; and by doing so bringing people out of themselves and their daily routines.
Apart from the weekly classes Mischa has facilitated a wide range of imaginative workshops with lots of room for active music making and participation.
‘Exploring Sound & Music’ – a workshop for 2-4 yr olds specifically designed for curious and eager minds of toddlers.
‘Song of our School’ – a found sound & song writing project with primary school children, in collaboration with artist Caroline Byrne.
‘Socks puppets & Joyful Songs’ – a musical journey of finding our lost socks (sock puppets) with songs guiding us along the way and a big sing-along sock puppet party at the end.
‘Seasonal workshops’ – toddler music workshops in libraries with themes like, spring, Easter, Christmas.
• RTE’s children’s program Hubble and RTE’s Junior website
• ARK Dublin’s Cultural Centre for Children
• Draíocht Arts Centre (Blanchardstown)
• RUA RED Art centre TallaghtGlenone Montessori, Rathgar
• Epic The Irish Emigration Museum
•Schools: Ballinteer Educate Together, Dundrum & Kindergarten in St Kilian’s School, Clonskeagh
•Montessori’s: Glenone Montessori in Rathgar, Bloomfield Childcare and Montessori in Donnybrook, Carewell Montessori in Ballinteer.
•Festivals: Alternative Entertainments Children’s Art Festivals & Book week Lucan Library
•Libraries numerous workshops in South Dublin: Tallaght, Ballyroan, Maynooth, Lucan, Leixslip, Cellbridge and Clondalkin.
“My daughter and I love coming to Sing Your Socks Off Music classes. Each class has a wonderful combination of unique songs, lovely musical instruments, and themes. My daughter calls all the songs we learn ‘Mischa’s songs’ whenever we sing them at home. I feel Mischa offers a fantastic opportunity to see, handle and play a variety of music instruments in a fun-filled, relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend Sing Your Socks Off.”Simone Hallam
“I could not recommend Mischa’s music classes enough! I am lost for words as I want to say so much! There are tons of new songs, instruments and stories that babies/toddlers explore (with the highest of interest) trough out the course. I feel privileged, humble and lucky to have come across and offer this experience to my son, who just adores Mischa’s classes!”Sladjana
“Lucy and I thank you very much for a wonderful year of singing and music. Lucy now requests music on the radio or will start singing spontaneously when out walking or in the car!”Anne Jackson & Lucy
“Thanks so much for your classes. Oran absolutely loves the class, as Evan did before him. And their love of music comes home with them too. They both love! The relaxed atmosphere of the class is perfect, and your belief in the benefits of music is evident! It is an extremely beneficial and enjoyable class. Thank you. Hopefully we’ll be seeing you in September!”Michelle (Mum of 2)
